The spate of incidents on Thursday have so far not been linked by investigating officers, despite two of the menacing crimes taking place within an hour of each other in the same area.

The first victim was a teenage boy who was approached while he stood waiting for a bus on Christleton Road at around 4pm.

The offender, described as white, 15-16-years-old, of stocky build and around 5ft 11ins, began a conversation with the teenager before they both walked to the rear of the Cherry Orchard pub.

Once in the alleyway behind the pub the young victim was assaulted and property was stolen from him. The culprit is described as having dark brown hair, gelled at the front, and was wearing tracksuit bottoms.

Less than four hours later an armed robbery on the city walls left a 50-year-old man with bruising to his arm and shoulder.

The victim was making his way home after leaving Telford's Warehouse, Tower Wharf, at around 7.50pm when, after crossing the bridge over St Martin's Way, he was suddenly approached from behind close to the Northgate locks.

He was pushed violently to the ground before turning around to see two men, both described as being in their early 20s, standing above him.

One of the offenders brandished a pen knife as he demanded money from the man, who handed his wallet over to the man's accomplice. The armed man then went through the victim's pockets before punching him in the face.

PC Gregg Kerr said: 'The gentleman managed to walk to the police station to report what had happened.

'We would like to make a public appeal for information about this incident. There is no CCTV in that area so it's very important that people come forward. We would be especially grateful for anyone who has also been approached in that area of the city walls to get in touch.'

The first man is described as white, early 20s, of medium build and wearing a grey hooded top. Both spoke with a local accent.

A group of male friends fell foul of a further incident an hour later as they walked along the tow path between Telford's Warehouse and the Frog & Nightingale, Frodsham Street.

They were approached by a man and woman who made threats before snatching a wallet from one of the men. The male offender is described as white, stocky, 26-years-old, 5ft 11ins, with very short hair and wearing a white shirt and black trousers. The woman is described as blond.

PC Kerr added: 'As far as I am aware there is no link between the two crimes.'

Anyone with information about the robbery in Christleton or the incident involving the group of friends should contact DC James Wilson on 01244 616 001 or Crimestoppers anonymously on 0800 555111.

Anyone with information about the city walls robbery should contact PC Gregg Kerr on 01244 350222 (ext 6001) or Crimestoppers anonymously on 0800 555111.